What to Do to Prevent Cross Contamination When Using Cutting Board?
There are easy chances of cross-contamination when you use cutting boards. Even though there are many types of cutting boards, you will have to make sure that there will be no cross-contamination. Many factors can lead to the problem, and the common solution for this is maintaining cleanliness. Here we will discuss how to prevent cross-contamination when using cutting boards.
Types of Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are composed of different types of materials including wood, plastic, and ceramic. When it comes to wood, it is a renewable source and can last for a long time. Even though plastic comes at an affordable value, it can attract bacteria and other microorganisms. On the other hand, glass cutting boards have an attractive look but can make your knives blunt. From the above, we can see that a wood cutting board is the best if there is proper maintenance. It is also safe to use and comes at an affordable value.
What Makes Cross-Contamination Happen?
Cross-contamination happens when you use more than one ingredient for cutting on the cutting board. When you cut fresh produce after cutting meat, it can easily lead to cross-contamination. The other way of having cross-contamination is with your hands. If you don’t wash your hands thoroughly after cutting one ingredient, it can lead to cross-contamination.
Preventing Cross-Contamination
The only solution to prevent cross-contamination while using cutting boards is to clean the cutting board. You will have to use a clean cutting board and wash it thoroughly after using it. Even if you have to switch the ingredients in between, you need to clean it. Never use a cutting board for fresh items if you have already used it for cutting meat or seafood. While switching ingredients in between, you must also wash your hands.
Having Designate Cutting Boards
If you have a spacious kitchen, you can go for designated cutting boards for different items. This can be an easy way to prevent cross-contamination. However, this can be hectic for many as you may end up mixing the cutting boards. Also, having too many cutting boards can overcrowd your kitchen.
Cleaning the Cutting Board
If you don’t clean the cutting board, it can lead to bacteria formation. For this, you must clean it appropriately. Taking hot water along with lemon and vinegar will make sure there will be perfect cleaning. You can even use salt that helps to scrub away dirt. Never leave the wood cutting board for a long time in the water. Once you are done cleaning the cutting board, you need to let it dry completely. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth if there is any excess moisture, and let it dry naturally.
Conclusion
We can say that cleanliness is the only solution to prevent cross-contamination when you use a cutting board. Frequently wash your hands and the cutting board while switching from one item to another. Try to dry it completely as it can lead to the buildup of bacteria.
